Question 1

To study frequency of intercourse after age 65, the publishers of 65 Plus magazine include a survey in their January issue; 25% of the subscribers return the survey. What should the publishers tell their readers about this survey?

Accepted Answer

The response rate of 25% is too low to ensure representativeness of the entire population of adults over 65. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized to the entire population.

Question 2

As a survey sample, the readers of Glamour magazine are likely to be

Accepted Answer

The readers of Glamour magazine are likely to be biased as they are a specific demographic and may not represent the opinions of the general population.

Question 3

Dr. Jones wants to answer the question of whether pet ownership increases one's attractiveness to the opposite sex. What would be the next step in finding a scientific answer to this question?

Accepted Answer

To scientifically answer a question, the next step after identifying the research question is to derive a hypothesis from existing theories or literature. This hypothesis will guide the design of the study and the collection of evidence.

Question 4

A group of researchers uses the Canada Census to determine that 51% of the Canadians are female. In their study of sexual practices in Canada, they make sure that 51% of their subjects are female. The researchers utilized a(n)

Accepted Answer

The researchers used a stratified random sample of females to ensure that their study population reflects the proportion of females in the Canadian population. This helps ensure that their results are representative of the larger population and can be generalized to the entire country. Using a target population of females would not necessarily ensure representativeness, as the study population would not reflect the proportion of males in the Canadian population. A convenience sample of females would also not ensure representativeness, as it could result in a biased sample that does not reflect the larger population. An adjusted random sample of females is not a recognized sampling method.

Question 5

Convenience samples often consist of

Accepted Answer

Convenience samples are those that are selected based on their availability and willingness to participate in the study, rather than representative of the population of interest. University students are often convenient to sample as they are easily accessible and motivated to participate. However, the drawback is that the sample may not be representative of the general population as university students may differ from other groups in terms of demographics and attitudes. The other choices listed may also be convenience samples, but C is the most likely given the context.

Question 6

In reliability studies done eighteen months after his original surveys, Kinsey found

Accepted Answer

The answer of In reliability studies done eighteen months after...

Question 7

Dr. Jones predicts that women are more attracted to men who own dogs than they are to men who own cats. What would be the next step in the scientific process for making this determination?

Accepted Answer

Gathering empirical evidence of women's preferences would involve conducting research and collecting data through surveys, experiments, or observations to test Dr. Jones' hypothesis. This would be the next step in the scientific process to determine if there is a correlation between pet ownership (dog or cat) and mate selection for women. A literature review (A) could be helpful in supporting the hypothesis, but it is not the next step. Formulating a hypothesis (B) is already done in this case. Publishing an opinion article (D) is not a scientific process and would not provide any empirical evidence.

Question 8

Researchers using the case study method must be especially aware of

Accepted Answer

The case study method involves in-depth analysis of a specific individual or group, and it can be prone to observer bias. This is because the researcher may have preconceptions or expectations about the individual or group being studied, which can influence their observations and interpretations of the data. Therefore, researchers using the case study method must be especially aware of avoiding observer bias. Sample adjustment, participant bias, and sample stratification are not as relevant for the case study method.

Question 9

A hypothesis is a(n)

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about a phenomenon or behavior that can be tested through research.

Question 10

Why do researchers usually not choose to measure populations?

Accepted Answer

It is virtually impossible to measure entire populations due to practical limitations such as time, resources, and access to all members of the population. Therefore, researchers often use samples as a representative subset of the population to draw conclusions about the population as a whole.

Question 11

When subgroups in a sample are represented in proportion to their membership in the population, the sample is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

When subgroups in a sample are represented in proportion to their membership in the population, the sample is called a stratified random sample. In this type of sampling, the population is divided into homogenous strata, and then a random sample is drawn from each stratum according to its proportion in the population. This ensures that all subgroups are represented in the sample in proportion to their size in the population, which increases the representativeness and generalizability of the findings. Probability sampling refers to any sampling method that involves random selection, not necessarily stratification. Convenience sampling refers to selecting participants who are readily available or accessible, which can lead to biased samples. Adjusted random sample is not a recognized term in statistics or research methodology.

Question 12

In sex research, case studies have been especially helpful in

Accepted Answer

Case studies have been particularly useful in diagnosing and treating sexual dysfunctions, as they allow for an in-depth exploration of an individual's sexual experiences and history. By understanding the unique circumstances surrounding a person's sexual difficulties, researchers and therapists can tailor their interventions to address the specific issues at play.

Note: While case studies may also be used to explore social and cultural factors impacting sexuality (such as identifying barriers faced by marginalized groups), the wording of option B seems to suggest a focus specifically on homosexuality, which is too narrow. Similarly, while case studies may record ethnic differences in sexual responsiveness, this is a less common use of this approach and not the most accurate answer.

Question 13

The first step in the scientific method is

Accepted Answer

The scientific method starts with a research question, which guides the rest of the process. Only after a research question is formulated can the scientist move on to establish a hypothesis, design a method, and test the hypothesis.

Question 14

In human sexuality research, a population is a

Accepted Answer

A population refers to the complete group of people being studied, rather than a representative sample, target group or percentage of a larger group.

Question 15

A researcher can generalize the results of her survey to the population of interest if

Accepted Answer

Generalization of survey results to the population of interest depends on how well the sample represents the target population. If the sample is not representative, the results cannot be generalized to the population of interest. Other factors like response rate, randomized sampling, and low levels of volunteer bias may increase the external validity of the survey, but if the sample is not representative, the results cannot be generalized.

Question 16

A representative sample consists of individuals who accurately represent

Accepted Answer

A representative sample should accurately reflect the population of interest, meaning it should include a proportional distribution of all relevant characteristics and demographics. Options A, B, and C could all be factors in creating a representative sample, but they are not sufficient on their own.

Question 17

As a research project, a group of researchers studied the interactions of three homosexual teens in a predominantly heterosexual high school by going to classes with the students for the first six months of their Grade 9 year. Which method is the research team using?

Accepted Answer

The research team is using a case study method where they are observing three particular individuals (homosexual teens) in a specific setting (predominantly heterosexual high school) over a certain period of time (first six months of Grade 9 year).

Question 18

Disadvantages of the case study method include

Accepted Answer

Case study method lacks rigour as it does not have the controlled conditions and manipulation of variables that an experiment would have.

Question 19

An advantage to using interviews instead of questionnaires is that interviews

Accepted Answer

Interviews allow researchers to probe, meaning they can ask follow-up questions or ask for clarification, which can result in more in-depth and detailed responses compared to questionnaires.

Question 20

Researchers have found that sexual satisfaction varies with religious denomination. Here, religion is a _______ variable.

Accepted Answer

Religion is a demographic variable because it is a characteristic of a group of people in terms of their beliefs and practices, rather than a psychological, physiological, or biological characteristic of an individual.

Quiz 2: Research Methods